Newbie from KY--1st Jet Boat

[76Bonneville]

Big project right there.
First thing to check is the stringers. Make sure they're solid.
Sleek Craft's typically have 1/4 stringers or what some call a motor box. If it's a full stringer boat and they're in good condition that's even better.
Also with 1/4 stringer boats, they usually have a subfloor which is part of the structural rigidity and strength of the boat.
I would ditch the Olds for a BBC. So much easier to get parts for a chevy.

[K-034]

Big project right there.
First thing to check is the stringers. Make sure they're solid.
Sleek Craft's typically have 1/4 stringers or what some call a motor box. If it's a full stringer boat and they're in good condition that's even better.
Also with 1/4 stringer boats, they usually have a subfloor which is part of the structural rigidity and strength of the boat.
I would ditch the Olds for a BBC. So much easier to get parts for a chevy.

I agree about the olds thing, find a big block chevy. Oldsmobiles are known for oiling issues in jet boats. I have a rail kit for a big block Chevy I would sell you cheap


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[JohnJ@Ridetech]

Thanks guys! I sure do appreciate the advice.
I went over the boat pretty good just to make sure there wasn't any severe rot or hole. Luckily, as of now, everything seems to be okay. Its definitely a project for sure.
I was thinking about running an LS in it. I have a couple of them laying around that would be a good candidate for the boat with a little modification.
Are LS swaps pretty common?

[JohnnyRotten]

technology is difficult for me

[JohnnyRotten]

Looks like a Rebel. I have a '75 Kauai with Ford/Panther power.

No record breaker but great bar hopper river runner.

Check out Vintage Jet Boat Forums. Lots of info and knowledge on these old turds over there. http://www.vintagejetboats.com/forum.php

[foxfam312]

Right on, look's to be a nice little project, I would definitely go threw the pump, keep us posted on your progress with pic's of course, welcome to the site

[El Toro]

looking at the pics, I gotta ask did you find that boat on the bottom of a lake somewhere ? just about any boat can be brought back to life for enough $$$ for a reference point you can find complete running jet boats for $2500. and up. If your a garage mechanic you picked the right project, good luck. keep posting pics.

at one time I scanned the sleekcraft brochure that had your model and stored them on photobucket. I just now went to photobucket to get them but photobucket said no I can't, WTF ?

[El Toro]

Looks like a Rebel. I have a '75 Kauai with Ford/Panther power.

No record breaker but great bar hopper river runner.

Check out Vintage Jet Boat Forums. Lots of info and knowledge on these old turds over there. http://www.vintagejetboats.com/forum.php

Johnny if that is a recent pic ? that boat is a real survivor. looks showroom new.

[JohnJ@Ridetech]

That's a very nice boat! Thanks for sharing.
Do you know if the specific model is stamped or tagged somewhere on the hull?

[JohnnyRotten]

I just suck at this.....